The play was inspired by Ironmonger Row - but the movie
was filmed, rather obviously, at Pinewood Studios.

Long-awaited DVD can be pre-ordered from MovieMail
£11-99p (free postage)

Review by Julian Upton, MovieMail:

Nell Dunn's play about six women who meet regularly at a
crumbling Turkish bathhouse in London was something of a cause
celebre when it premiered in the West End in 1981.

Theatregoers had never seen this much nudity in one production,
let alone heard female characters talking this frankly.

But beneath the novelty factor is a poignant, funny and
genuinely warm portrait of female camaraderie. The bathhouse
is a place to trade intimate stories, to express their hopes
and fears.

When the building is threatened with closure, they are
mobilised to try and save it.

Hugely faithful to the original staging, this adaptation has
become more notable for being the last film of director
Joseph Losey and star Diana Dors.

As the bathhouse's maternal attendant, Dors exudes class and
calmness in what was a rare chance to shine this late in her
career.

As the patrons, Sarah Miles, Vanessa Redgrave and Patti Love
cast their clothes aside and tackle the material with
admirable gusto.